Four Sons

Four Sons Movie Poster Country United States Directed by John Ford Release Date 1928 Language Silent Distributor Fox Film Corporation Main Cast Character Actor Mother Bernle Margaret Mann Joseph "Dutch" Bernle James Hall Johann Bernle Charles Morton Franz Bernle Ralph Bushman Andreas Bernle George Meeker American Officer John Wayne

Four Sons is a 1928 World War I silent film directed and produced by John Ford. The story takes place in Germany during the war where a Bavarian mother Bernle deals with her four young sons, three of them fighting for the German Empire and the other joins the U.S. Army. The movie is based on the novel "Grandmother Bernle Learns Her Letters" by I. A. R. Wylie and features a young John Wayne in an uncredited role as an American officer.

The following weapons were used in the film Four Sons:

Pistols

Colt M1911

The American officer (John Wayne) carries a pistol that has the silhouette of a Colt M1911.

Colt M1911 (dated 1913) - .45 ACP

The officer advances in No Man's Land.

"What's eatin' yuh, Dutch? Let's go, we movin' up!"

Luger P08

A German Captain (Archduke Leopold of Austria) gives Colonel von Stomm (Earle Foxe) a Luger P08 to shoot himself.

Luger P08 - 9x19mm

"A parting gift from the regiment, Herr Colenel, to speed you to a better world!"

"Shall we say, in ten minutes?"

Von Stomm holds the pistol.

Rifles

Mauser Gewehr 1898

German soldiers including Franz (Ralph Bushman) and Johann Bernle (Charles Morton) carry Mauser Gewehr 1898 rifles through the movie. Andreas (George Meeker) carries also a Gewehr over his shoulder.

Mauser Gewehr 1898 - 7.92x57mm Mauser

Franz (Ralph Bushman) and other soldiers marching with Gewehr 1898s.

A barracks Guard with Gewehr 1898 and Seitengewehr 98/05 bayonet.

Springfield M1903 Mk 1

During the scene at the ninth of November American troops are seen with Springfield M1903 Mk 1 rifles. Joseph "Dutch" Bernle (James Hall) also carries the rifle.

Springfield M1903 Mk 1 - .30-06

Joseph holds his Springfield near the German Foxhole.

He lies beside his brother Andreas.

Mauser 98AZ Carbine

A Mauser 98AZ Carbine is very briefly seen in the background during the suicide of von Stomm.

Mauser 98AZ Artillery Carbine - 7.92x57mm.

Note the larger front sight.

Another view of the carbine, the stacking hook is seen.

Machine Guns

Maxim MG 08

A Maxim MG 08 is carried by German soldiers at the railway station. A broken Maxim is later seen in a crater.

Maxim MG08 on 'sledge' mount - 7.92x57mm Mauser

German soldiers transport the Maxim.

Joseph over the broken Maxim.